Inuvik (May 10/04) - Grasping one's own mother tongue isn't as easy as it sounds. For some, especially those sent to residential schools, it seems almost impossible to speak anything but English.

Now adults, those people have a hard time getting re-acquainted with their own language -- Inuvialuktun.

But Pat Winfield and Renie Arey aim to change all that.

Last month the two organized an On the Land immersion program just for adults over 16. It was financed by the Inuvialuit Cultural Resource Centre.

"It was awesome," said Liz Gordon, an enthusiastic participant.

"As soon as I saw it in the paper I called Renie (Arey)."

"It was very positive and everybody really enjoyed it and said they'd do it again," said Winfield, the director for the Inuvialuit Cultural Resources Centre.

Nine participants and five elders spent six days out on the land, speaking mostly in Inuvialuktun and having fun with traditional activities like fishing, trapping and story telling.

"We had a great time out there and really learned a lot," said Arey, who is now nearly fluent in Inuvialuktun thanks to her determination to relearn it.

"I liked the whole thing. The (elders) talked to us in Inuvialuktun until we understood," said Gordon, who can only understand a few words.

Before the program, Gordon would listen closely to elders trying to pick up words on her own. She felt the program was so important that she used her annual leave days at work to attend. She said being submersed in the program will help her continue learning.

Winfield hopes to continue offering the program to other adults and families in addition to organizing a monthly potluck where past participants can continue practising their language skills.

Participants were also given a language book and CD to practise with.

"I just love that book," said Gordon, who pins Inuvialuktun words all over her house to expand her vocabulary.